1. Andy Nazer
Ambassador

2. no-one that wants company
We believe that
no-one that wants company
should be without it.

3. Loneliness and Isolation
Loneliness is subjective:
The unwelcome feeling of a gap between the social connections we want and the ones we actually have.
Loneliness can be social or emotional, transient, situational or chronic.
Isolation is objective:
A measure of the contacts or interactions that we actually have.
“Social isolation is being by yourself. Loneliness is not liking it.”
(Independent Age)

4. Loneliness in the UK www.campaigntoendloneliness.org.uk OVER 80%
Of GPs surveyed say
they see 1-5 patients
each day who they believe
are lonely

5. Nationally and Locally…
Nationally over 1.1 million older people say they are ‘always’ or ‘often’ experiencing loneliness, this equates to around 2,500 older people in East Herts and over 20,000 in Hertfordshire
12% of older people (3,000 in East Herts) feel trapped in their own home
24% (6,000 in East Herts) do not go out socially at least once a month
Around 9,000 older people live alone in East Herts. 4,000 are women aged over 75

6. Loneliness harms physical health
Lonely older people are likely to be…
Smokers / drinkers
Overweight and not eat well
Skipping medication
Undertaking less physical activity
Accordingly, an increased likelihood of
Diabetes
Stroke
Coronary heart disease
Chronic lung disease
Arthritis and mobility impairment

7. Loneliness harms mental health
Linked to…
64% increased risk of developing
clinical dementia
Development of anxiety and
depression
Correlates with self-reported poor health and psychological distress
Can predict suicidal behaviours
in older age

8. Overall… Lonely older people when compared to those
who do not experience loneliness are:
1.8 times more likely to visit their GP;
1.6 times more likely to visit A&E;
1.3 times more likely to have emergency
hospital admissions;
3.5 times more likely to enter residential care.
It is estimated that the risk to health experienced by a chronically lonely person is comparable to smoking 15 cigarettes a day.

9. The “bottom line…”
Lonely older people experience poor quality of life, get sicker, and die quicker.

10. local authorities and service providers
So, what can we all do?
local authorities and service providers
Provide the strategic lead:
Create the plan
Facilitate the partnerships
Drive awareness, prompt others…
Identify those most in need
Support the community response

11. So, what can we all do? The community
Support local initiatives that drive awareness / prompt others…
Join local partnerships / establish new ones
Help identify those in need
Facilitate events that bring people together
Keep in touch with the most vulnerable

12. So, what can we all do? Individuals Stay in touch with older
family and friends
Offer practical help
Share your time – volunteer
Help with household tasks
Share a meal
Watch for signs of illness
Become the “link” with the community

15. Coming soon…

16. Join us! More information… Thank you! www.campaigntoendloneliness.org
Andy Nazer
Tel:
Thank you!
More information…